The Federal Government has ordered the resumption of the Abuja-Kaduna train service, two months after it was attacked by Boko Haram terrorists.
Recall that about eight persons were killed and 26 others injured when gunmen bombed the rail track and attacked the Kaduna-bound train on March 28.
Following the attack, the federal government suspended train services on the route in order to fix the damaged train track and set up security surveillance.
In a statement on Monday by its spokesperson Yakubu Mahmood, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) said service will resume on the Abuja-Kaduna line on May 23.
Mahmood stated that the decision to resume services does not mean efforts to secure the safe release of those abducted will be put on hold, assuring the families of those abducted of the government’s commitment to free the hostages.
The NRC spokesman said additional security measures are being put in place to beef up security at the train stations and along the track.
The statement reads: “These measures are not only for the Abuja-Kaduna Train Service (AKTS) but also for all the passenger train services, especially on the standard gauge railway lines.
“Consequently, the passengers are hereby enjoined to cooperate with the NRC in order to enjoin improved service delivery, safety and comfort by patiently complying with additional measures that will surely be introduced for the safety of our passengers, such as requesting for passengers’ National Identification Numbers (NIN) as part of our internal security check.
”The Government wishes to assure the relatives of the abducted citizens still in captivity that the safe rescue of these passengers is a top priority and not to misconstrue the resumption of train services, as abandonment or nonchalant attitude of the government towards their plight.
“The Federal Government will never abdicate its responsibility in rescuing these valuable citizens, however, the government assures of its resolve not to succumb to threats by any faceless group.”
The NRC said customers must present a Valid Photo Identification Card (ID) and a reachable telephone number of a Next of Kin (NOK) or close relative before boarding a train.
It added that online and offline purchases of tickets must contain the passengers’ individual profiles or identification data.
